Meet Our Team.

J. ForrestPRINCIPAL ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

Following a networking meeting in 1995, I wrote down a path for my work on a sheet of paper. Put it in a folder and didn't see it for 10 years. When I looked at the career path in 2005, it matched my moves exactly with the exception of "starting my own leadership consultancy or retreat center." So, that's what I did in 2006.

Andy HalperVERY SENIOR ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

I love the rhythm and flow and sound of great culture at work. It’s when the right culture inspires people to be more fulfilled, engaged and successful. I’ve worked to build cultures that help people find more joy in their work, more trust, more empathy, have better relationships, and have deeper connections of all sorts.

When things are simultaneously traditional and creative, ancient and postmodern, devout and irreverent, funny and serious, flip and profound, that’s where I thrive. Having chutzpa and humility at the same time makes work a whole lot more meaningful and considerably more fun. I’m very big on the yin and yang of things, and in my case, the yang to my zen master yin is that I’m an erstwhile Camp Director. I have two grown daughters, a grown up and snazzy wife, grandkids ...all campers at heart.

Spencer NierenhausenORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

I believe in helping others in meaningful ways and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. I welcome the challenge of creating order out of a messy situation, problem, project, etc. On the weekends, you can find my husband and I running, biking and hiking the trails of Elm Creek Park or doting on our niece, nephews, and hell-cat, Boo.

Lauryn PetersenPRINCIPAL DESIGNER

I enjoy bringing creativity to the work I do. I believe design is an important part of the workplace to create and identify values that align with an organization. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband & daughter, relaxing at our family cabin and traveling.

Eric ZakovichORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

I love to help people realize how much they matter because when someone realizes how much they matter, they are able to realize their full potential. I believe that when we help people realize that, they become better spouses, parents, friends and family members.

In my day job, I work with leaders and organizations to help them get better and more sustainable results. I do this through leadership development, team development, coaching and retreats. I take a practical and fun approach – you won’t do a ropes course or trust falls with me.

Andy ZimneyORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

I love using my varied experiences as a former COO, entrepreneur, and stage improviser to help individuals and teams work more productively and more positively. I’m a firm believer that organizations are organisms, not mechanisms. Their most critical assets are the human beings they're built from and the values, habits, and beliefs that drive them. One of my favorite things to do is to help teams get clarity on what’s most important and design actions that move them forward.

I also love camping, running, reading a good book, spending time with my wife and 3 kids, and occasionally performing improv theater at the fantastic venues here in Minneapolis.

Nate EklundORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

My Twitter profile says this: "I like bringing people and organizations into their uncomfortable truths and realities and then getting us out alive together." I think that's pretty spot on for what gets me up in the morning. I love working with people and places that are moving forward in bold and brave ways. Life is too short to not love your work. My role is to help ensure that organizations are full of great people enjoying themselves, their work, and their colleagues. I love it.

Advisory Board

Marcia BallingerCo-Founder, PrincipalBallinger | Leafblad

Joe CavanaughFounder and CEOYouth Frontiers

Karin OlsonVP, Strategic Human Capital InitiativesOptumInsight

Chris SchwartzHR Director Beckman Coulter

"Employee Strategies is very involved and not afraid to jump in and hear the garbage. They make a solution that speaks to the employees, not just cookie cutter."